The Idea That Sparked It All
In 2010, a casual conversation between Brad Campbell and Peter Mortenson changed New Zealand pool forever. Brad wondered, “Who’s the best pool player in Canterbury?” He had some ideas on how to figure it out, but it wasn’t until Peter mentioned it to Mike Hayes some time later, things started to progress.
Mike liked the idea and called Brad — “What do you want to do with it?“
Brad, your typical quiet type, said he’d think on it — but he did much more than that. He pitched the idea to Darryl Chambers from On Cue, who said he’d love to commercially support it. With momentum building, and the support of some like-minded people, Brad decided to go all in.
The Birth of Superleague
After a brainstorming session (while watching a rugby league game), the name Superleague was born — courtesy of John Berry, who would go on to play many roles in the organisation. One of his finest contributions? The hilariously brutal player bios that profiled the first 16 players, complete with unmentionable favorite movies, least favorite opponents, and betting odds.
Initial Years
The first two years of play saw Ceri Worts take the title over Brad in Year 1, then Brad reversed that result in Year 2, winning the final over Ceri. The competition was played under Clubs NZ rules at the time — until the league started to grow.
Taking It Nationwide
In 2012, Mike Bowen asked Brad to bring the league to Dunedin. Marlborough followed soon after.
By 2014, Wellington joined thanks to Spike Angove, and Brad hit the road, inviting provincial reps to Christchurch (on his own dime) to expand the concept. That same year, the format changed to the two-shot WEPF rules including the smaller white ball.
With eight provinces now involved, the first Superleague Nationals took place at Woolston Club in Christchurch. First prize? A record-breaking $10,000 — easily the biggest tournament payout in NZ pool history at the time.
2014 Provinces & Managers
- North Auckland – Matt Edwards
- South Auckland – Wyn Belmont
- Waikato – Phyl Wilkinson & Matty McInnes
- Manawatu – Bayden Jackson
- Wellington – Spike Angove
- Marlborough – Bob Henderson
- Otago – Mike Bowen
- Canterbury – Brad Campbell
In 2015, the Nationals were televised on Canterbury TV with John Berry and Pete Smith (CTV) commentating, a huge milestone for pool in NZ.
The Push for International Play
From the start, there was a dream to compete beyond NZ shores. Several starts were made but for a variety of reasons they never came to fruition.
Then in 2022, a test match against Australia lit a spark. By 2024, for the first time in 20 years, NZ sent teams to the WEPF World Champs in Blackpool. In 2025, that spark has become an inferno — with over 45 players heading to Ireland across all categories:
- Juniors (U18 & U23)
- Women’s & Men’s
- Over 50s & Over 60s
For years, talented Kiwi players missed out on representing their country. Now, that pathway is clear.
The Legacy of Superleague
Big things often start with one conversation. Thank you, Brad Campbell, for having the idea — and the drive to see it through. Thanks to Peter Mortenson, Mike Hayes, Darryl Chambers, John Berry, Shane Breckon, and all those who supported it, both financially and in spirit.
Thanks to NZ Pool Promotions — Mike Hayes, Darryl Chambers, Alex Stones, Adam Shaw, and Graeme Watson — who carried the vision forward. In 2024, fresh faces stepped up to take the reins, with only Darryl remaining from the original team.
2025 & Beyond
This year is just the beginning. NZ Superleague is now part of the Australian State Champs, with North and South Island teams competing across all categories. The first-ever Brad Campbell Team Trophy will be awarded at the Superleague Nationals — an honour long overdue.
And with that, the story continues…